"I have indeed been changed--ay, my very heart within me hath been changed.

In the times to which your ladyship (so called) thinks proper to refer, I was a man of this world--bestowing on it all my thoughts--all my actions, save formal observances--little deeming what was the duty of a Christian man, and how far his self-denial ought to extend--even unto his giving all as if he gave nothing.

Hence I thought chiefly on carnal things--on the adding of field to field, and wealth to wealth--of balancing between party and party--securing a friend here, without losing a friend there--But Heaven smote me for my apostasy, the rather that I abused the name of religion, as a self-seeker, and a most blinded and carnal will-worshipper--But I thank Him who hath at length brought me out of Egypt." In our day--although we have many instances of enthusiasm among us--we might still suspect one who avowed it thus suddenly and broadly of hypocrisy, or of insanity; but according to the fashion of the times, such opinions as those which Bridgenorth expressed were openly pleaded, as the ruling motives of men's actions.

The sagacious Vane--the brave and skilful Harrison--were men who acted avowedly under the influence of such.

Lady Peveril, therefore, was more grieved than surprised at the language she heard Major Bridgenorth use, and reasonably concluded that the society and circumstances in which he might lately have been engaged, had blown into a flame the spark of eccentricity which always smouldered in his bosom.